More Mexican and Hiding Awa!

I am a bit out of my regular rhythm on these, but thought I should at least update my “Mexican” restaurant rundown to include another positive review of a new candidate . And I even am positive for once, which some readers will appreciate. And, well, I may add a little rant at the end, to keep my record clean.

South of the Border, North of Great Mills

While I sort of concentrated on the big boys in town, (and yes, I missed Salsa’s in Leonardtown for no reason other than unfamiliarity).   An alert reader notified me of another restaurant here in the midst of Lexington Park.  You know that little enclave in the little square next to the Lexington Park Cleaners which has been there forever?  There were several historical occupants of the cluster of shops, including a little “mercadito”, and once the home of “Bambino’s”, Charlie’s Deli, and others.  The place is on the corner, pretty much across from the cleaners in the corner of the buildings.  The name of the place is “El Rinconcito” which is not surprisingly translated as “little corner”.  While I have no firsthand knowledge, same alert reader has been there several times, and has enjoyed fresh ingredients, nicely presented.  While they don’t have a website their Facebook page affords a peek into their menu. It is gratifying to see there are NO enchiladas on the menu, but does contain many “traditional” dishes.  They serve breakfast through dinner and you can find such items as: Huevos Rancheros; Arroz con Pollo; Chimichangas, Taquitos; Tortas and Sopas; as well as many Quesadillas and Burritos.  Might be worth a try and a respite from dishes from the Cocina in the Sky transporting dishes to the larger guys. 

Over the river (bridge) and through the woods (houses)

to the Solomons.  Have been hearing good reports about the current occupant of the original Giovanni’s sort of off the main drag on the island, behind Carmen’s gallery.  There have been a couple of less successful attempts, but the Island Hideaway seem to have a rising following.  I wouldn’t say it is hidden away, but it is on the water of back creek.  We finally arranged to corral most of a little group that tries to convene when all the far flung members are in town.  So on father’s day, we had an 11:00 reservations at

AResized Island Hideaway 17 June 2018 wcm EL 180617 – 7471

It is freshly (?) painted and nicely kept up.  It affords a nice view of the harbor

and does offer al fresco seating as well as interior seating.  (hint: they open at 11:00 sharp and DON’T you presume to arrive before that expecting to enter).  Anyway at the stroke of the hour we were called from the patio (which was very pleasant Sunday) and shown to the table set for five.

A highlight of the whole experience was the server for our table, whose name on the check was “Charlie”.  He did an unusually good job with the table, showing up when needed, but not incessant “how is everything” intrusions. He ran down the daily specials

And took drink orders which included Bloody Mary’s, a Kendall Jackson Chardonnay (their menu omits the second “l” which the Feeder pointed out) and the Rosemary Grapefruit Crush (as an experiment – we all sampled and thought it was a bit sweet for our palate.)

The menu (which you probably can't read) offered lots of choices still kind of with an Italian bent,

but also a couple of intriguing dishes reflecting different cuisines (Adobo Pork Chop, and Shrimp and Grits).

We ordered a couple of Shrimp and Grits, Fish of the day (mahi mahi or grouper), and a Fettuccini with Chicken.

The side salads (Caesar) salad were fresh and crunchy, and entrees were nicely presented

blackened Mahi with “skatch" Corn

My Sauteed Mahi with wild rice

The Shrimp and Grits

And the chicken topped Fettuccini

 As you can see, all the dishes were appetizing and occasional checks from Charlie to see if anything was needed were few, but appropriate.

Surprisingly, the normal question (okay, a bit trite) of “did you save room for dessert?” were met with affirmative responses (indication maybe a reluctance to leave) and were rewarded with nice Crème Brulee, a “banana cream” cheesecake and a nice Key Lime pie (didn’t inquire if it came from Kim’s)

So all in all, it will find a place on the “return list” despite my initial misgivings.  Another place to give a try, Thumbs UP!

And as we were about to leave the Kalmar Nyckel came into port

Futbol!

I hope you are enjoying the world cup ("soccer") matches. They are fascinating.  If you saw the Portugal/Spain match, you were rewarded with what is being called one of the best matches of the World Cup, not just this one, but ANY world cup.  If seeing Rinaldo’s third goal doesn’t give you chills, I give up.  One of the late night sports talking heads, allowed as how since the USA was not involved, she might not watch.  Terrific.  Blame the poor play of the Americans, not the world cup.  Plus not only Rinaldo, but giants like Messi, Neymar are miraculous.  Would watch them over our Big Ben, and Brady.  Okay, enough of that!

And I WAS going to make a few comments on the US Open tourney and Phil’s unique putting style, but that can wait. Instead I remind you to

DFD and campaign for

NMMJ